“Hajji” Arkadag’s Generosity at Citizens’ Expense: How Money Is Collected for “Sadaka” in Turkmenistan

The Human Rights Platform of the Civil Movement DAYANÇ (Turkmenistan) expresses concern over reports about the forced collection of money and food from the population in Turkmenistan. According to information published by Radio Azatlyk, local authorities in the Balkan region have organized the collection of money and products to hold a so-called “sadaka” charity meal on behalf of the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty (People’s Council) of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, widely known as “Hajji” Arkadag. According to sources in the region, the collection of funds is effectively mandatory. Reports indicate that: residents are required to contribute around 50 manats, employees of state institutions are required to pay up to 100 manats per person. In addition to monetary contributions, people are also required to purchase products for the event. According to sources, these include: approximately 100 kilograms of flour, approximately 100 kilograms of dates. The price of dates on the market, according to local residents, can reach around 250 manats, which is a significant amount for many families. Furthermore, sources report that entrepreneurs are also being forced to participate in these collections. Shop owners and business operators are required to bring sweets, food products, and other goods that are later used for the event. The human rights platform DAYANÇ notes that these collections are taking place amid a difficult socio-economic situation. In Turkmenistan, extremely low wages and pensions are not comparable to the real prices of food and basic necessities. Many families are forced to save even on essential food products simply to survive. Against this backdrop, forced collections of money and products further aggravate the already difficult situation of citizens. Such practices not only create additional financial pressure on the population and entrepreneurs but are also unacceptable, as many people are already living in extremely difficult conditions and are effectively struggling to survive. The Human Rights Platform of the Civil Movement DAYANÇ considers the practice of administrative pressure and coercion of citizens and entrepreneurs to participate in such financial collections to be unacceptable. Any charitable activity must be voluntary, not organized through pressure on state employees, residents, or business representatives. Source Radio Azatlyk https://youtu.be/V-0AFGSWcvI?si=NurK7bNOTsQqokhA⁠�